United States forces have carried out airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northwestern Nigeria, acting on orders from President Donald Trump, the US Department of Defense has confirmed.
The Pentagon said the operation, conducted on Christmas Day at the request of Nigerian authorities, resulted in the deaths of several ISIS fighters, though specific operational details were not disclosed.
President Trump described the strikes as “powerful and deadly,” saying they were launched after he had warned the group to halt attacks on Christians in Nigeria. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the militants had ignored earlier warnings and that decisive action had followed.
US Africa Command confirmed on X that the strike took place in Sokoto State and was coordinated with the Nigerian government. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also praised the operation, expressing appreciation for Nigeria’s cooperation and support.
The action marks the first known US military strike in Nigeria during Trump’s current tenure. It follows comments he made in recent months expressing concern over violence against Christians in the country, which he has previously described as a serious threat.
While some groups welcomed Washington’s stance, Nigeria’s government and several analysts have pushed back against framing the country’s security challenges primarily as religious persecution, noting that the violence is complex and driven by multiple factors.
Nigeria was recently re-listed by the United States as a country of particular concern over religious freedom, alongside the introduction of new visa restrictions, underscoring growing diplomatic tension around the issue.
